Honoring veterans and military students
November 04, 2016
Written by Alyssa Langer | Artwork by Allie Johnson
Veterans Week at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will feature a talk and book signing from an award-winning author, art exhibit, memorial ceremony and special recognition and programming for veterans and military students.
"It's a way that we honor and celebrate the service of both students on campus and local community veterans. This year we'll be highlighting the Vietnam War. What occurred in Vietnam was very different than what we experience today. The military would fight very differently in future wars," said Richard Harris, coordinator of student veterans and military services.
The campus community will hear a firsthand account when author, Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Tim O'Brien receives the Chancellor's Regional Literary Award. The event, which will take place in the Young Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, will feature a reading and book signing.
Harris said this week is an opportunity to learn and understand how to serve those who have served for us.
The event "27-to-0: Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness," focuses on the steps that campus and community members can take in recognizing and preventing veteran suicide. This event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 10, the James R. Connor University Center Hamilton Room from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"We lose 27 veterans a day to suicide. I believe the more students, faculty and staff who are aware better prevents our chances of that happening on our campus. It's a huge concern of every veteran and of every agency that serves veterans," said Harris.
Veterans and Military Service Members Week will conclude on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, with a ceremony at 11 a.m. in the James R. Connor University Center Hamilton Room.
Full list of Veterans Week events [PDF] >>